New CWS format big hit in Omaha

Stanford starts a three-game series with Rice today in Omaha, Neb., to determine college baseball's national champion.

Dave Weaver/AP OMAHA, Neb. - Stanford loves the new best-of-three championship final format at the College World Series.

Two years ago, the Cardinal went through bracket play unbeaten only to lose 12-1 to Miami in the winner-takes-all championship game.

Back in the final for the third time in four years, Stanford (50-16) opens the championship series against Rice (56-11) today.

And this time, one loss doesn't spell doom.

''There are good days and bad days in baseball, and there are those types of games where one team has the upper hand,'' Stanford right fielder Carlos Quentin said. ''All our team loves it. It makes a statement. If you win this, you did it the right way.''

Rice coach Wayne Graham said the new format will crown a true champion in college baseball.

''I don't think any of us particularly liked the idea you could go into the championship game and the team with the single most dominant pitcher in college baseball could be out there and that could be it,'' Graham said. ''At least you have to have two good ones now and some relief, and that's a good thing.''

The Owls arguably have the most dominant pitcher in Jeff Niemann (17-0). He will start the first game against either senior Ryan McCally (7-2) or freshman Mark Romanczuk (12-1).

Rice is 3-0 in the tournament after beating Southwest Missouri State in its opener and then defeating Texas twice.

Stanford is 4-1 after beating South Carolina, losing to Cal State Fullerton, and then defeating Fullerton twice. The Cardinal won 7-5 in 10 innings on Thursday to advance.

''All through the playoffs, it's been one great pitching staff after another,'' Stanford senior catcher Ryan Garko said. ''This is going to be our toughest matchup. I guess that's the way it should be. To win the national championship, you should have to beat all the best teams. This is the best team we've faced all season.''